Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Introduction
According to Okpara (2012), cultures have a strong influence to someones behaviour.
Likewise, the culture between one country and another have a difference which also give an
influence the way people in that nations behave. Hence, the expectation for an individual in a nation
might not be the same. In all business transactions, ethics and expectations within the cultures gives
a vital impact. A misunderstanding in ethical standard might lead to an ethical conflict which will
give a negative effect to the business. Thus, to enhance the cross-cultural work in the workplace,
understanding the fundamental issues; culture and the expectation within the cultures since cultures
which are the determinant of business ethics is important (Pitta, Fung, and Isberg, 1999). The
justification below will be looking at the different between Germans and Chinese culture which is
affecting how they do business and how they work in the workplace.
dimensions of cultures which are power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance,
long-term orientation and indulgence. This cultural dimensions are representing independent
preference of one state rather than its individuals (The Hofstede Centre, 2016). Also, this cultural
dimension identify the way each culture perceive their ethics and how they solve their own problem
(Peleckis, 2013).
The comparison between Germans and Chinese will be done by looking at the high vs. low
power distance and the individualism vs. collectivism. According to the Hofstede Centre (2016),
Germans have low power distance and they are high in the individualism. In contrast, Chinese have
high power distance and low individualism or they are more collectivist. Power distance deals with
the equality in the society and the higher it goes, the higher the gap between a powerful and less
powerful individual where individualism vs collectivism deals with bonds, relationship and
integration between the people (Okpara, 2012).
Although the Germans value hierarchy, the distance between the society is relatively low.
Instead of power, Germans give higher appreciation towards performance and technical ability. The
higher level managers can be criticised by their subordinates and the managers will also ask
feedback from the subordinates. In contrast, Chinese subordinates are unwilling to challenge their
higher level manager; they will not criticise their superior. They just want to follow and obey the
decision or rules made by their superiors (Foster, 2015).
In terms of individualism vs collectivism, Germans do not need in-depth relationship while
they are doing business which showed why their rank of individualistic is relatively low
Article 2: Ethical Issues Across Culture: managing the differing perspectives of China and the USA
Eveline Trinitio - 0317005
(Commisceo Global, 2016). They have strong belief in self-actualisation. The loyalty is based on
personal preferences together with their sense of duty and responsibilities. Their communication is
direct where they will say it even though it will hurt another people. For the Chinese, most of them
act in the interests of the group and the decision making is most likely affected by the group
consideration. Chinese also will be more cooperatives for their inner groups and will neglect the
outside groups (The Hofstede Centre, 2016).
Scenario
The differences in the cultural dimension above might lead to ethical conflict among the two
nations when they are doing business together.
As a country with high power distance, China views a superior-subordinate relationship
most likely is restricted and there is no defence against power abuse by the superiors. When it
comes for Germans to do business with the Chinese, it might be harder and it will increase ethical
conflict where Germans did not view power as a restriction for the superior and subordinates. For
example when a Germans executive meets the Chinese which is more superior than him during a
meeting, if the Germans criticised anything about the Chinese idea or insight, it will be considered
as unethical and it might also view as an insult to the Chinese. As an individualistic, a Germans will
speak directly and they will not cover up anything even though it is a bad news whereas the Chinese
considered as non-confrontational where they will not speak directly. For example if they want to
say no, instead of saying no they will say they will think about it or they will see. Also Chinese
want to build a comfortable relationship during a business where for Germans this is not
necessary. It will be a problem when the Chinese insisting on creating relationship where it will
make the business pace will be slower and it will create an uncomfortable situation to the Germans
(Commicseo Global, 2015).
Article 2: Ethical Issues Across Culture: managing the differing perspectives of China and the USA
Eveline Trinitio - 0317005
Conclusion
In conclusion, the culture diversity between nations needs to be taken as a consideration for
the all company to reduce the conflict and the risk of losing partners. Thus, the best way to enhance
the cross-cultural work is by understanding the culture of their partners and try to adapt in the most
possible way.
Word Counts: 1,094 words
Article 2: Ethical Issues Across Culture: managing the differing perspectives of China and the USA
Eveline Trinitio - 0317005
Reference
Commisceo Global (2016). China Guide. Available from:
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http://www.commisceo-
http://www.commisceo-
Foster, B. (2015). How Culture Makes a Difference in Management: Applying Geert Hofstede's
Cultural Dimensions to Management in Germany and China. Senior Honors, Eastern Michigan
University. Available from: http://commons.emich.edu [Accessed 12 May 2016].
Okpara, J.O (2012). The effects of national culture on managers attitudes toward business ethics
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Pitta, A.D., Fung, H.G, and Isberg, S. (2012). Ethical issues across cultures: managing the differing
perspectives of China and the USA: Journal of Consumer Marketing. [online] 16(3), pp. 240-256.
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